The Canadian Mental Health Association has donated a pair of "#empathy chairs" to OUTLoud hoping they will promote empathy, compassion and resiliency.
OUTLoud gives youth a safe space to hang out and provides additional resources for 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
See: Community shows strong support for OUTLoud, North Star Guardians
The Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District, used the turquoise Muskoka-style “listening chairs” during Mental Health Week in May to promote this year’s theme of #empathy. The chairs were set up at various community events.
“This initiative created a safe space for people to come and share what was on their mind with someone who was there to listen without judgment,” said local CMHA CEO Mary Davis. “Community members were also invited to decorate the two chairs with positive words and images.”
Among the messages that people shared:
“Try, try, and try again.”
“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”
– Bob Ross [painter and TV host]
“I got your BACK!”
“OUTLoud seems like the perfect place for them,” added Davis. “And after the recent disturbing instances of hateful online attacks and acts of vandalism, messages of compassion and understanding are more necessary than ever.”
"We've experienced a lot of hate over the past month and so have other people that support our club," Seth Compton, OUTLoud’s executive director.says.
Several sponsor businesses associated with OUTLoud received hateful messages while OUTLoud was inundated in late July by a targeted campaign against the organization's plan to host a youth drag show.
See: Youth safe space responds to death threats, online hate
And: OUTLoud receives support near and far following attacks
“We are truly grateful for the partnerships in our community,” added Compton. “We are excited to add these chairs to our space. It’s great to see messages of hope, especially after everything that has happened. These messages will be a light for the kids.”
